Page 18 of Heart's Keeper

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Back inside the callroom, Lana and Xerus found Xilya at the console as if she'd never left it in the time they had slept. As she turned to them, her eyes were bright with excitement.

"I just received word from my friends in Xolis," she said. "They have caught our signal and would like to make contact."

Lana froze in surprise, then sat down on a chair beside her. "They were able to reach us from this distance after all?"

"With a more advanced messaging system on a ship like this, yes, it is possible." Xilya navigated the call system controls until the room darkened, and a wave of orange light washed over them. The walls of the call room glowed a dull red before the light hit upon a central point in the room just in front of the console.

"Can they understand us?" Lana asked.

"I have added Xolian to the database. The translator should pick us both up. Ah, they are coming in now," Xilya said as a shadowy blur formed at the center which reshaped into the ghost of a figure. The light spread out over the room, and details began to form, bringing a separate chamber into view that melded with their own. At the center, a blue man with silver eyes, dark hair, and strange crown-like points on either side of his head came into focus before them. He wore a black uniform with silver buttons and green lining. The room he stood in was bear with bluish-gray walls and a gray marbled floor. He had his hands behind his back as he stood straight, looking very noble and proud.

"Nihl Ryziel," Xilya said in a casual tone meant for friends.

Ryziel bowed his head. "Xilya."

"How are things on Elestyl?"

"As well as can ever be."

"Good." Xilya gestured to Lana and Xerus. "These are the two whom we talked of many times before. Queen Lana and her predomis, Xerus. Lana, this is Ryziel, nillium exile."

Lana rose from her seat and moved closer to the center point where Ryziel's image stood. Xerus came around to stand beside her.

Ryziel's eyes flickered over them, and he bowed. "It's an honor to finally meet you both."

"You as well," Lana said before glancing over to Xerus, who merely studied the nillium male with curiosity.

"We are on our way to the human territory as we speak," Xilya stated. "Have you heard anything more from Xolis?"

"Only that the ships they sent are still out searching. From information sent by my informants inside Vesra's stronghold, they are using powerful trackers able to scan incredible distances. It won't be long before they catch on to some trace the closer they get. Nar is keeping me updated on any other ships leaving or any heavy weaponry being forged. No signs so far, which is good."

"So Nihl is still worrying about its own problems," Xilya responded.

"Yes. Xolis is still in chaos since...since the death of the prince." Ryziel's expression darkened. "The nillium aren't focused too heavily on the humans at the moment though some certainly know about the hunters who are searching and are keeping a close eye. Many think if the humans come, it could be a leg up in taking power; the crime lord Vesra being one of them. He is determined to take advantage of the power struggle and knows having humans could be his one step to taking control of the nillium. Which could be disastrous for all."

"Which is why we are going to try to head them off," Xilya said.

"Good luck. They will be heavily armed. And a few are lethal killers."

Xilya snorted, and Xerus huffed beside her.

"We aren't worried," Xilya said. "They will witness what a real threat looks like and will go running with their tails between their legs. If they have any."

"I trust your capabilities." Ryziel smirked. The sound of a door slid open somewhere in his room followed by the soft shuffling of several steps.

"I came as soon as I could. Are you speaking with them now?" A shadow of a person walked into the light's view and slowly came into detail. Lana let out a soft gasp as the image of a woman—a human woman—stood before her. She wore a dark blue dress and had golden-red hair tied in an intricate knot on her head. Her bright eyes grew bigger as she stared back at Lana, and she let out a soft cry. "Oh my god, it's really you."

Before Lana could respond, Xilya greeted the woman and said, "This is Aly. Ryziel's human mate."

"Xilya, wow, you really did it." Aly smiled at Lana. "It's so amazing to finally meet you in person."

Shocked, Lana wasn't sure what to say. She hadn't seen her kind in so long that it actually felt bizarre to see one before her now. It was like seeing some past image of herself that she barely recognized.

Aly's smile faded a little when Lana didn't respond. Not wanting to seem off-putting, Lana licked her lips, swallowed, and said, "It's nice to meet you."

Aly took Ryziel's arm. "I've been wanting to meet you since...since I started with Grayhart really. I never thought this day would happen."

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